Dive into the rich, regional flavors of the Midwest with this delightful Indiana Pawpaw Bread! Featuring the naturally sweet and creamy pulp of ripe pawpaws—often called America’s forgotten fruit—this moist quick bread boasts a perfect balance of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by a tender crumb thanks to buttermilk and melted butter. A touch of brown sugar adds depth, while optional chopped walnuts lend a satisfying crunch. This recipe is easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time, and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour. Slice into this unique treat for breakfast, as a snack, or with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert, and experience a flavorful slice of Indiana tradition.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the pawpaw pulp and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Calories |
3276 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.6 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.8 g | 354% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 644 mg | 215% | |
| Sodium | 3012 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 440.8 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 234.9 g | ||
| Protein | 53.6 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 420 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 1535 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.